Samsung is preparing the launch of the Galaxy S26 line with price adjustments for consumers of Coreia and Sul. The increase reflects the rise in production costs for components such as DRAM and NAND, affected by global demand for artificial intelligence technologies. The values were released before the official event Galaxy Unpacked, scheduled for February 25, 2026.
Three models make up the family: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The versions available on the South Korean market include 256 GB and 512 GB storage options. The adjustments vary between 98 thousand and 164 thousand won compared to the previous generation.
The company offers a free storage upgrade to those who pre-purchase. Essa measure seeks to mitigate the impact of the increase in final prices for consumers.
Detailed prices for available versions
The values practiced in Coreia and Sul show clear differences between models and storage capacities. The base configuration of each device costs more than the Galaxy S25 line.
- Galaxy S26 – 256 GB: 1,254,000 won (approximately US$865); 512GB: 1,460,000 won ($1,007).
- Galaxy S26+ – 256 GB: 1,452,000 won ($1,001); 512GB: 1,660,000 won ($1,145).
- Galaxy S26 Ultra – 256 GB: 1,797,000 won ($1,240); 512GB: 2,000,000 won ($1,380).
These numbers represent the final positioning of Samsung for the domestic market. The strategy considers the balance between high costs and maintaining competitiveness.
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Comparison with the previous generation
The readjustment appears consistently across all variants of the Galaxy S26 line. The most significant difference occurs in versions with greater storage capacity.
- Galaxy S26 – increase of 99,000 won ($67.6) for the 256 GB version and 162,000 won ($111.8) for the 512 GB version.
- Galaxy S26+ – increase of 99,000 won (US$67.6) for 256 GB and 164,000 won (US$113.2) for 512 GB.
- Galaxy S26
These values confirm that Samsung was unable to maintain the price freezing policy adopted in recent years. The variation directly reflects the impact of memory components on the total production cost.
Impact of DRAM and NAND costs
The increase in prices for DRAM and NAND memories directly influences the pricing of new flagships. Demand for high-performance chips for artificial intelligence servers has reduced supply for mobile devices.
Manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron face similar pressure in the global market. Analistas point out that DRAM prices rose more than 40% in 2025 and are expected to maintain an upward trend in early 2026.
The shortage especially affects LPDDR modules used in premium smartphones. Esse scenario forces adjustments across the supply chain of high-end Android devices.
Pre-purchase upgrade offer
Samsung plans to offer free storage upgrades during the pre-sale period. Clientes who purchase the 256 GB version will be able to migrate to 512 GB at no additional cost.
The promotion aims to stimulate initial sales despite the adjustment. Ainda there is no confirmation whether the offer will be available in markets other than Coreia of Sul.
This strategy has already been used in previous successful launches. The measure helps to reduce the perception of excessive increases in final prices.
Memory market context
The semiconductor industry is experiencing a cycle of high demand driven by AI applications. Chips HBM, used in graphics accelerators, compete directly with conventional DRAM production.
Samsung invests billions in new factories to expand capacity. In the short term, however, supply remains limited relative to global demand.
Other smartphone makers also adjust prices or reduce specifications to contain costs. The trend is expected to persist until new production lines come into full operation.
Expectations for Galaxy Unpacked
The February 25th event will officially introduce the Galaxy S26 line in San Francisco. The Samsung should highlight artificial intelligence capabilities integrated into the One UI system.
An emphasis on improved cameras, more efficient processors and longer-lasting batteries is expected. The devices will arrive in stores a few weeks after the announcement.
The company maintains the tradition of launching three premium variants at the beginning of each year. The focus on premium experiences justifies continued investments in innovation.
Positioning in the premium market
The Galaxy S26 line competes directly with the iPhone 17 and devices from the Google and Xiaomi. The high-performance segment demands state-of-the-art components regardless of cost.
Samsung maintains leadership in global sales of Android. The pricing strategy reflects the need to preserve margins in a scenario of more expensive components.
South Korean consumers will have priority access to the new models. Pre-sales must begin immediately after the official event.
Expected technical details
The devices will feature high refresh rate AMOLED screens and more resistant Gorilla Glass protection. Processadores Exynos and Snapdragon vary depending on the region of sale.
Main cameras must exceed 200 megapixels on the Ultra model. Recursos optical zoom and 8K recording remain differentiators.
Batteries above 5,000 mAh guarantee extended autonomy. Fast Carregamento of 65W or higher speeds up the recharging process.
Global launch strategy
Samsung adopts a regional approach to pricing and promotions. Emerging Mercados receive settings adjusted for greater accessibility.
In Europa and América of Norte, converted values may vary depending on the exchange rate. Ainda there is no official confirmation about adjustments outside of Coreia of Sul.
The company monitors initial reaction to calibrate global availability. Initial Estoques prioritize regions with the highest demand.
